131 research outputs found
Nutrition, Microbiota and Noncommunicable Diseases
The advent of new sequencing technologies has inspired the foundation of novel research to ascertain the connections between the microbial communities that reside in our gut and some physiological and pathological conditions [...]
Physical Activity, Gut Microbiota, and Genetic Background for Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder
It is estimated that one in 100 children worldwide has been diagnosed with autism spectrum
disorder (ASD). Children with ASD frequently suffer from gut dysbiosis and gastrointestinal issues,
findings which possibly play a role in the pathogenesis and/or severity of their condition. Physical
activity may have a positive effect on the composition of the intestinal microbiota of healthy adults.
However, the effect of exercise both on the gastrointestinal problems and intestinal microbiota
(and thus possibly on ASD) itself in affected children is unknown. In terms of understanding the
physiopathology and manifestations of ASD, analysis of the gut–brain axis holds some promise.
Here, we discuss the physiopathology of ASD in terms of genetics and microbiota composition,
and how physical activity may be a promising non-pharmaceutical approach to improve ASDrelated
symptoms."Fundacion Ramon Areces", Madrid, SpainANID/BECAS ChileSpanish Ministry Universities 7218054
Effects of Whole-Grain and Sugar Content in Infant Cereals on Gut Microbiota at Weaning: A Randomized Trial
The introduction of complementary foods during infancy marks an important step in the
development of the infant gut microbiome. Infant cereals are popular weaning foods but consistent
evidence on their effect on the intestinal microbiota, especially when differing in nutritional quality,
is lacking. Fecal samples from 4–7-month-old Spanish infants who consumed infant cereals differing
in whole grain and sugar content as first weaning foods were analyzed on changes in microbial
composition by massively parallel sequencing of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene at baseline and
after 7 weeks of intervention. Samples were obtained from a previous trial conducted in Spain
demonstrating whole-grain cereal acceptability. In total, samples of 18 infants consuming 0% whole
grain cereals with 24 g sugar (0-WG) and 25 infants consuming 50% whole grain cereals with 12 g
sugar (50-WG) were analyzed. Microbial composition changed significantly over time (p = 0.001), per
intervention group (p = 0.029) and per infant (p = 0.001). Abundance of genus Veillonella increased in
both groups while Enterococcus decreased. Within the 0-WG group, phylum Actinobacteria decreased
along with genus Bifidobacterium. In the 50-WG, we observed an increase in Lachnoclostridium and
Bacteroides. In addition, 50-WG decreased Proteobacteria and Escherichia to levels lower than 0-WG.
Although weaning itself appeared to be responsible for most changes, the increased presence of
anaerobic fermenters together with inhibition of pathogenic Escherichia may indicate a supporting
effect of infant cereals with 50% whole grains and a reduced sugar content over infant cereals
manufactured with refined hydrolyzed flours on the infant microbiota. In fact, using a novel
methodology for the identification of microbial signatures, we found two groups of microbial taxa
predictive of infants consuming enriched whole-grain infant cereals with a high predictive value of
about 93%.European funding from ICEX and FEDER—Program
R + D Invest 539 in Spain 2015European Regional Development Fund: 20150347
Effect of Intensity and Duration of Exercise on Gut Microbiota in Humans: A Systematic Review
(1) Background: The gut microbiota might play a part in affecting athletic performance and
is of considerable importance to athletes. The aim of this study was to search the recent knowledge
of the protagonist played by high-intensity and high-duration aerobic exercise on gut microbiota
composition in athletes and how these effects could provide disadvantages in sports performance.
(2) Methods: This systematic review follows the PRISMA guidelines. An exhaustive bibliographic
search in Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus was conducted considering the articles published
in the last 5 years. The selected articles were categorized according to the type of study. The risk of
bias was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute’s Critical Appraisal Tool for Systematic Reviews.
(3) Results: Thirteen studies had negative effects of aerobic exercise on intestinal microbiota such as
an upsurge in I-FABP, intestinal distress, and changes in the gut microbiota, such as an increase in
Prevotella, intestinal permeability and zonulin. In contrast, seven studies observed positive effects of
endurance exercise, including an increase in the level of bacteria such as increased microbial diversity
and increased intestinal metabolites. (4) Conclusions: A large part of the studies found reported
adverse effects on the intestinal microbiota when performing endurance exercises. In studies carried
out on athletes, more negative effects on the microbiota were found than in those carried out on
non-athletic subjects."Fundacion Ramon Areces", Madrid, Spai
Dietary Polysaccharides and Gut Microbiota Ecosystem
The intestinal microbiota is a community of microorganisms that subsists within the
gastrointestinal ecosystem. In human health, the role of the gastrointestinal microbiota is to
maintain a dynamic balance with the host. This balance plays both local and remote roles
in critical physiological processes, particularly inflammation, and the immune response [1].
Natural polysaccharides are polymeric carbohydrate macromolecules and sources of
fermentable dietary fiber. Polysaccharides are the most abundant dietary components in
the gut microbiota and are deeply involved in host health [2]. Emerging evidence shows the
involvement of polysaccharides in numerous functions in gut microbiota-host symbiosis,
such as microbial interactions with endogenous host glycans, and the key role of microbial
polysaccharides [3]. Additionally, bacterial polysaccharides act as immunomodulators, and
host-derived polysaccharides protect host cells from pathogenic microbial neighbors and
affect overall gut health through interactions with gut microbes. The growth of certain
beneficial intestinal bacteria can be promoted by polysaccharides (among other things)
during intestinal fermentation, changing the microbiota profile of the gut and altering both
local and remote host physiology, which can reduce disease development [3,4]
The Interplay between Microbiota and Chemotherapy-Derived Metabolites in Breast Cancer
UGR Plan Propio de Investigación 2016” and the
“Excellence Actions: Unit of Excellence in Exercise and Health (UCEES), University of Granada”Postdoctoral contract (RPS 24665, 2021) from Consejería de
Salud y Familias, Junta de Andalucía, Spain)
Dietary Polysaccharides as Modulators of the Gut Microbiota Ecosystem: An Update on Their Impact on Health
A polysaccharide is a macromolecule composed of more than ten monosaccharides with a
wide distribution and high structural diversity and complexity in nature. Certain polysaccharides are
immunomodulators and play key roles in the regulation of immune responses during the progression
of some diseases. In addition to stimulating the growth of certain intestinal bacteria, polysaccharides
may also promote health benefits by modulating the gut microbiota. In the last years, studies about
the triad gut microbiota–polysaccharides–health have increased exponentially. In consequence, in the
present review, we aim to summarize recent knowledge about the function of dietary polysaccharides
on gut microbiota composition and how these effects affect host health.Regional Ministry of Health and Families (Andalucia, Spain)CSyF 2021-Postdoctoral RPS 24665"Fundacion Ramon Areces", Madrid, Spai
A Review of the Current Impact of Inhibitors of Apoptosis Proteins and Their Repression in Cancer
J.P.-D. is part of the "UGR Plan Propio de Investigacion 2016" and the "Excellence actions: Unit of Excellence on Exercise and Health (UCEES), University of Granada". J.P.-D. is supported by a fellowship to postdoctoral researchers at foreign universities and research centers from the "Fundacion Ramon Areces", Madrid, Spain.The Inhibitor of Apoptosis (IAP) family possesses the ability to inhibit programmed cell death through different mechanisms; additionally, some of its members have emerged as important regulators of the immune response. Both direct and indirect activity on caspases or the modulation of survival pathways, such as nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-kappa B), have been implicated in mediating its effects. As a result, abnormal expression of inhibitor apoptosis proteins (IAPs) can lead to dysregulated apoptosis promoting the development of different pathologies. In several cancer types IAPs are overexpressed, while their natural antagonist, the second mitochondrial-derived activator of caspases (Smac), appears to be downregulated, potentially contributing to the acquisition of resistance to traditional therapy. Recently developed Smac mimetics counteract IAP activity and show promise in the re-sensitization to apoptosis in cancer cells. Given the modest impact of Smac mimetics when used as a monotherapy, pairing of these compounds with other treatment modalities is increasingly being explored. Modulation of molecules such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) present in the tumor microenvironment have been suggested to contribute to putative therapeutic efficacy of IAP inhibition, although published results do not show this consistently underlining the complex interaction between IAPs and cancer."Fundacion Ramon Areces", Madrid, Spai
Innova 2020: A Follow-Up Study of the Fecal Microbiota of Infants Using a Novel Infant Formula between 6 Months and 12 Months of Age
The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding on demand until at least the sixth month of life. Breast milk or infant formula is the infant’s primary food source until the age of one year, followed by the gradual introduction of other foods. During weaning, the intestinal microbiota evolves to a profile close to that of the adult, and its disruption can result in an increased incidence of acute infectious diseases. We aimed to determine whether a novel starting formula (INN) provides gut microbiota compositions more similar to those of breastfed (BF) infants from 6 to 12 months of age compared to a standard formula (STD). This study included 210 infants (70 per group) who completed the intervention until they reached the age of 12 months. In the intervention period, infants were divided into three groups. Group 1 received an INN formula with a lower protein content, a casein to whey protein ratio of approximately 70/30, twice as much docosahexaenoic acid as the STD formula, a thermally inactivated postbiotic (Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis, BPL1TM HT), and twice as much arachidonic acid as the STD formula contained. The second group received the STD formula, while the third group was exclusively BF for exploratory purposes. In the course of the study, visits were conducted at 6 months and 12 months of age. Compared to the BF and STD groups, the Bacillota phylum levels in the INN group were significantly reduced after 6 months. At the end of 6 months, the alpha diversity indices of the BF and INN groups differed significantly from those of the STD group. At 12 months, the Verrucomicrobiota phylum levels in the STD group were significantly lower than those in the BF and INN groups. Based on the comparison between 6 and 12 months, the Bacteroidota phylum levels in the BF group were significantly higher than those in the INN and STD groups. When comparing the INN group with the BF and STD groups, Clostridium sensu stricto 1 was significantly higher in the INN group. The STD group had higher levels of calprotectin than the INN and BF groups at 6 months. The immunoglobulin A levels in the STD group were significantly lower than those in the INN and BF groups after 6 months. Both formulas had significantly higher levels of propionic acid than the BF group at 6 months. At 6 months, the STD group showed a higher quantification of all metabolic pathways than the BF group. The INN formula group exhibited similar behavior to the BF group, except for the superpathway of phospholipid biosynthesis (E. coli). We hypothesize that the novel INN formula may promote an intestinal microbiota that is more similar to the microbiota of an infant who consumes only human milk before the weaning period.Alter Farmacia S A as part of the INNOVA2020 projec
Vitamin D: Classic and Novel Actions
Background: Classically, vitamin D has been implicated in
bone health by promoting calcium absorption in the gut and
maintenance of serum calcium and phosphate concentrations,
as well as by its action on bone growth and reorganization
through the action of osteoblasts and osteoclasts cells.
However, in the last 2 decades, novel actions of vitamin D
have been discovered. The present report summarizes both
classic and novel actions of vitamin D. Summary: 1,25(OH)2
vitamin D, the active metabolite of vitamin D, also known as
calcitriol, regulates not only calcium and phosphate homeostasis
but also cell proliferation and differentiation, and has
a key a role to play in the responses of the immune and nervous
systems. Current effects of vitamin D include xenobiotic
detoxification, oxidative stress reduction, neuroprotective
functions, antimicrobial defense, immunoregulation,
anti-inflammatory/anticancer actions, and cardiovascular
benefits. The mechanism of action of calcitriol is mediated
by the vitamin D receptor, a subfamily of nuclear receptors that act as transcription factors into the target cells after
forming a heterodimer with the retinoid X receptor. This kind
of receptors has been found in virtually all cell types, which
may explain its multiple actions on different tissues. Key
Messages: In addition to classic actions related to mineral
homeostasis, vitamin D has novel actions in cell proliferation
and differentiation, regulation of the innate and adaptative
immune systems, preventive effects on cardiovascular and
neurodegenerative diseases, and even antiaging effects
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